Mental Health Awareness Week

This year more than any other, raising awareness of mental health is paramount. It is believed the pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of many individuals across all age groups and so it’s time to reach out to each other and check in on those who have been affected.

Older individuals in particular have been at the centre of the crisis, with information and evidence suggesting they are most at risk to experience mental health issues due to isolating during the pandemic. The isolation and reduced contact with family and friends has had a devastating impact on the lives of some, leading to increased levels of anxiety, fear and even cognitive decline. ¹

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place in 2021 between the 10 – 16th May. The theme of this year’s week is ‘Nature’. Nature was chosen as the theme as many people turned to nature during the pandemic as one of the top coping strategies. 45% of people identified that connecting with nature had been vital to their mental health. ²

For those caring for older individuals it’s important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue as well as how to provide the best possible care and support. At Altura we have a range of courses designed to raise awareness and embed the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of the individuals who may be living with a mental health condition.

Our residential care library and home care library offer a series of mental health courses including our recently released course:

Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders (view trailer here)

Course Description: Anxiety can be experienced in many ways and can often interrupt a person’s daily living routines. This course will identify different types of common anxiety disorders and explore how to support someone who lives with this condition.

This course offers a first hand account of what anxiety is and the impact it has on those living with an anxiety disorder. You will explore the stories of 3 individuals who share their experiences and explain what impact it has on their day to day lives. You will hear from our experts who will discuss the different types of anxiety, from social anxiety and phobias to post traumatic stress disorder and the mechanics of the brain. 

¹ https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2020/10/age-uk–research-into-the-effects-of-the-pandemic-on-the-older-populations-health/

² https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/why-nature

Finally, you will learn about different support strategies that will enable you to improve the lives of those you care for.